Press release -

Glasgow Central recognised as Scotland’s newest live music venue

Scotland has gained a new venue for live music.

Glasgow Central Station has been recognised by The List, Scotland’s leading arts publisher, after a programme of live music was established by Network Rail, the station owner, and Virgin Trains.

Every Friday from 5pm, thousands of commuters who pass through Scotland’s busiest station can hear bands play in the main concourse while waiting for their train.

The “Virgin Trains presents... Live at Central” concept was originally trialled in collaboration with the Glasgow International Jazz Festival during June but an extended programme of events has now been agreed to run every Friday afternoon until September.

All the events will now be included in The List’s regular listing section in the magazine and website, which attracts 1.1 million visitors.

The Live at Central concerts have been rolled out as Network Rail and Virgin Trains seek to transform the Victorian station into a cultural hub ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Brendan Miles, Digital Business Director at The List said: “Scotland's leading arts and entertainment publisher The List will now be listing all events at Glasgow Central Station going forward. We are pleased to recognise and welcome another new venue to Glasgow's vibrant music and arts scene."

Ross Moran, Network Rail’s Station Manager at Glasgow Central, said: “Our vision for Central is clear: to be the most innovative, creative and exciting station in the UK. For us, it is simply not enough to be a venue where people idly wait for trains. We aspire to be a cultural hub: a city within the city, where music and the arts can be celebrated.

Marty McGowan, Virgin Trains’ Commonwealth Games Liaison Manager, added: “Glasgow Central Station is more than just a transportation hub, it’s also a central stage and a place of excellence for us to show off some of what our fine city has to offer.  We are especially excited to be showcasing some really great acts as we move closer to 2014, mindful of what a year this will be for the City of Glasgow.”

After a programme of Jazz in June, Live at Central has broadened to include a wide range of musical styles. Last Friday saw Brass Tracks while the next three Fridays will feature Burt and the Bacherettes, Oompah Brass and Penman Jazzmen. The programme for August and September is yet to be announced.

Passengers recently voted Glasgow Central the UK’s fourth most popular train station, up from 10th a year earlier. According to the independent National Passenger Survey conducted by Passenger Focus, the station has a 91% approval rating.

Topics

  • Art, Culture, Entertainment

Regions

  • Scotland

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